About Us
The contemporary, friendly, Clarens Art Gallery
In the heart of the picturesque village of Clarens in the Eastern Free State, you will find Blou Donki Art Gallery, next to Purple Onion, in the Windmill Centre @ 15 Van Zylstreet.
Blou Donki Art Gallery with its modern, stylish and trendy ambience, showcases artwork by leading and emerging artists from across South Africa.
The gallery houses a quality collection of paintings, ceramics, glass, functional art, sculptures and photography.
Visit Blou Donki Art Gallery next time you are in Clarens and immerse yourself in the world of South African contemporary art.
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Our Story
The idea of a gallery representing top contemporary artists from across South Africa was shared by the current owners, and a then artist friend back in 2006. Ideas were considered and several artists were contacted to showcase their work in Clarens, which is known as an art mecca. Blou Donki opened its doors for the first time in June 2007, the name of the gallery was inspired by a poem written by the well-known Free State artist Father Claerhout.
Until 2020 Blou Donki operated from 59 Main Street, Clarens. The initial location was developed from a homestead of a former Clarens council member who lived in Clarens during the early 1960’s.
During the Covid pandemic, when most business in Clarens were forced to close down for a time, the current owners decided to build a new building adjacent to Purple Onion (which is also owned and managed by the Viljoen family).
It was a joyous occasion when the gallery re-opened after Covid with many artist’s who showcase their talents in Blou Donki attending the re-opening. We welcomed Annette Dannhauser, Anton Gericke, Elga Rabe, Louise Hansen (local Clarens resident) and Johan Smith.
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Blou Donki hosted several exhibitions over the years, welcoming talented artist’s to the Eastern Free State town known as “The Jewel of the Eastern Free State”.
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Owners Gerrit and Colleen Viljoen (with their family) proudly manage Blou Donki Art Gallery and are honoured to be associated with quality art, promoting Clarens and it’s surrounding area as a sought after destination.
